Annie Douglass Lima's Blog, page 27

October: a Novel with a Giveaway

Today we begin a countdown. To what? The release of J. Grace Pennington's new book, October (available here). Yep, she named her book after the month we are in. Check out the great giveaway, and the other posts in this countdown!About the Book



For Emily Baxter, life is simple. Her world is made upcompletely of school, church, and the community in the small farming town she calls home. All that changes one fateful Sunday, when a new girl shows up at Pleasanton Baptist—a girl unlike anyone Emily has ever seen. A girl with long red hair, crystal green eyes, and style and posture like royalty.


A girl named October.
The months that follow are filled with magic—the magic ofordinary things, of finding pictures in the stars, of imagination and a new senseof beauty. But as time goes by, Emily begins to sense that her enchanting newfriend may have secrets that could break the spell. Is October really all sheseems to be?
About the Author

J. Grace Pennington has been telling stories since she couldtalk and writing them down since age five. Now she lives in the great state of Texas, where she writes as much as adult life permits.  When she's not writing she enjoys reading good books, having adventures with her husband, and looking up at the stars.
Giveaway
Grace has generously offered a paperback book of her newbook as her giveaway prize. You can enter at this link orthe widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

October Blake
October is the central character of the story, and of course the title character.  All the events within it coalesce around her.  And she changes the lives of the other characters permanently.
So who is October?
She is a twenty-two-year-old girl who shows up one morning in Pleasanton Baptist church with her aunt and uncle.  She stands out, but in a way that seems perfectly natural--long red hair, elegant posture, crystal green eyes, and clothes almost old-fashioned but modern enough to not seem anachronistic.
She is shy and quiet, preferring to keep to herself or be with very close friends.  Yet she also shows unexpected boldness at times.  It's just one part of the puzzle that Emily can't quite put together--an enigma of confidence and vulnerability.  She is caring and deeply thoughtful, but doesn't seem to have any particular passion in life.  She loves stories, loves people, loves God, and loves nature.  She doesn't have a job or go to school.  She never hints how long she'll be in town or why she came.
She may be an anomaly, but she teaches Emily to find pictures in the clouds and in the stars, to revel in the magic of ordinary things, to find empathy for people who can sometimes go unnoticed.
She seems perfect.  Except for those moments when Emily catches a glimpse of something deeper—a dark cloud over an otherwise glorious soul.  Why?  What is October hiding?
Tour Schedule

October 25, 2017
BookishOrchestrations– Introductory post
God'sPeculiar Treasure Rae– Character Spotlight
Lettersfrom Annie Douglass Lima– Character Spotlight
Lisa Swinton -Queen of Random– Book Spotlight
Audrey Rich– Book Spotlight

October 26, 2017
FrancesHoelsema– Excerpt
Jaye L.Knight– Character Spotlight and Excerpt
MorganElizabeth Huneke– Review

October 27, 2017
Liv K. Fisher –Author Interview and Excerpt
Opinions,Thoughts, and General Rambling– Character Spotlight and Excerpt
Leila'sBookshelf– Book Spotlight
Britbear's BookReviews– Guest Post

October 28, 2017
Rebekah Lyn Books –Excerpt
In the Bookcase– Review
Roxbury Books –Character Spotlight and Excerpt
J. GracePennington– Special author’s post

October 29, 2017
BookishOrchestrations– Giveaway Winner

This is Not a Werewolf Story (But it is a giveaway!)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Book Blitz for This is Not a Werewolf Story By Sandra Evans
This Middle Grade Fantasy is perfect for Halloween! Full of fun and  mystery, and set at  a boarding  school where everything isn't quite as it seems. Read the excerpt and enter the giveaway below...
This is Not a Werewolf Story
by Sandra Evans
Middle Grade Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 352 pages
July 26th 2016 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

This is the story of Raul, a boy of few words, fewer friends, and almost no family. He is a loner—but he isn’t lonely. All week long he looks after the younger boys at One Of Our Kind Boarding School while dodging the barbs of terrible Tuffman, the jerk of a gym teacher. 
Like every other kid in the world, he longs for Fridays, but not for the usual reasons. As soon as the other students go home for the weekend, Raul makes his way to a lighthouse deep in the heart of the woods. There he waits for sunset—and the mysterious, marvelous phenomenon that allows him to go home, too. But the woods have secrets . . . and so does Raul. When a new kid arrives at school, they may not stay secret for long.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Excerpt
Chapter 1
This is the chapter where the new kid runs so fast, Raul decides to talk 
New kid. New kid. The words fly around the showers and sinks. I can almost see them, flying up like chickadees startled from the holly tree in the woods.
All the boys are in the big bathroom on the second floor, washing up before breakfast. The littlest kids stand on tiptoe to peek out the windows that look onto the circle driveway.
I pick Sparrow up and hold him so he can see. He’s the littlest of the littles but the kid is dense--like a ton of bricks.
I can’t believe my eyes. No kid has ever come to the school on the back of a Harley. Not in all the years I’ve been here, and I’ve been here longer than anyone. The driver spins the back wheel and a bunch of gravel flies up.
The new kid is holding onto the waist of the driver. He must have a pretty good grip because the driver looks over his shoulder and tries to peel the kid’s fingers away one by one. Then the driver takes off his helmet. We all gasp, because it turns out the driver is a lady with long straight black hair.  
Next to me Mean Jack whistles. “What a doll!”
Mean Jack thinks he’s a mobster. A made man, that’s what he calls himself. I call him a numbskull, but not out loud.
About the Author

Sandra Evans is a writer and teacher from the Pacific Northwest. Her forthcoming middle grade novel, This is Not a Werewolf Story (Simon & Schuster July 2016), was inspired by her favorite 12th century French tale, Bisclavret, by Marie de France. Born in Washington state, Sandra spent her childhood on U.S. Navy bases from Florida to Hawaii, and returned to the Northwest as a teenager. Since then, she has lived and traveled in France and Europe, but has never strayed far for long from the Puget Sound region.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter
Blitz Giveaway
2 winners will receive a print copy of THIS IS NOT A WEREWOLF STORY plus SwagOpen to UK and US entrantsEnds October 31st
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Invasion Earth: a Science Fiction Adventure by David Tienter

TITLE: Invasion Earth
RELEASE DATE: August 2017
AUTHOR: David Tienter
KEYWORDS: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Aliens, Invasion, Earth, Alien Contact
CATEGORIES: Science Fiction/Fantasy
SYNOPSIS: From his warm Chicago home, a lone man is pulled through space to a world on the precipice of extinction. His blood may be the aliens' only chance for survival. But when fear, greed, and mistrust destroys all loyalty lines, the violent, mind-melding race of Tonkians attack Earth. They plan to make it their new home. Only Trist has the capability to prevent the inhalation of mankind, but will he be able to alert the Generals in time? 
ONE LINER: As our world is ravaged by a violent, mind-controlling race of aliens, one man, with the knowledge needed to help humanity fight back, struggles to defeat the invincible Tonkian army. 
PAGE COUNT: 184
ISBN: 978-1973982067
IMPRINT: Devil’s Tower
BOOK PAGE: http://ravenswoodpublishing.com/bookpages/invasionearth.html
AUTHOR BIO: David is a former U.S. Navy Corpsman who spent time attached to the Marine Corps. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern College and Master's degree from Western Illinois University. He currently resides in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with his wife and three dogs.
EMAIL: Tienterd@yahoo.com 
AUTHOR LINKS: http://www.davidtienter.com
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0755GY3WPAMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0755GY3WPAMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0755GY3WPBARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/invasion-earth-david-tienter/1127025860?ean=9781973982067CREATESPACE: https://www.createspace.com/7397631PAPERBACK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1973982064/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503788738&sr=8-1&keywords=Invasion+Earth+Paperback+David+Tienterp.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px} p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #1255cc} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {color: #000000} span.s3 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none}

Noblebright Fantasy: Heroes and Swords

Do you know about Noblebright Fantasy?
Noblebright Fantasy refers to stories in which the main motivation of the characters is an altruistic proposal or quest, and the world in which they live upholds hope and the possibility of better. Noblebright characters choose to act with kindness and honor, are rewarded for their good qualities, and their world, although not perfect, is beautiful and valuable. Brand new Epic/High Fantasy collection "Heroes and Swords", brings you a selection of Noblebright stories with strong heroes and magical worlds that will take you back to the times of classic fantasy. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find!

Noblebright Fantasy Book: Daughter of Havenglade.


An Epic Quest Through The Magical World of Havenglade A sinister wizard.A mysterious teacher.A kingdom on the brink of collapse.In the ancient kingdom of Havenglade, a brutal enemy is ravaging the countryside making his way closer to Gradur Castle. An aging king seeks protection from a council of loyal wizards. A peasant girl finds herself at the center of it all after bonding with a magical crystal and absorbing its magical essence.After losing her parents, Laurena was given the chance of a lifetime to study wizardry under the mysterious and renowned teacher Unai.†Can she learn to harness the powers inside her before it's too late?Author H. C. Harrington: What makes this book Noblebright?Noblebright is a subgenre which often ties into fantasy stories. When I wrote Daughter of Havenglade one of the main goals was to give the world a female hero who could "save the world" while not appearing overly powerful or unbeatable. She suffers many of the physical symptoms of anxiety but she still manages to overcome many of her fears and self-doubts. Our heroine Laurena, goes from an unsure and troubled girl into a confident, capable woman.†She looks out for others. She doesn't have longings for fame or fortune. She is noblebright because she wants to be on the side that protects the weak. She is noblebright because she will turn against her own kingdom if it stops caring for its people, and she is noblebright because her parents raised her that way.---
H.C. Harrington is the author of the epic fantasy series Daughter of Havenglade. His recent work includes Daughter of Havenglade, Black Dragon Deceivers, The Night Thief, and the soon to be released Blood Cauldron.
H.C. graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a B.A. in Anthropology and History. After putting a hold on summertime archaeological digs in the Sierra Nevadas H.C. moved to Chengdu, China, to study Chinese language and culture. Along the way, he's visited or lived in over a dozen different countries.
His hobbies include traveling, writing stories, reading anything he can get his hands on, backpacking, and trying new things.Heroes and Swords: A Noblebright Fantasy Collection.
In the spirit of the classic fantasy of Tolkien, Terry Pratchett and Brandon Sanderson, authors of Noblebright Fantasy all around the world have come together in this E-book giveaway. With stories that are uplifting and full of hope, and heroes who strive for goodness and fight to save their worlds,†Heroes and Swords†will transport readers back to the glory of heroic fantasies, fabulous quests and characters full of charisma and courage.

BROWSE THE BOOKS NOW!------

Realm Explorers Part XCXIV: Visit Glynrell with Kristen Stieffel

Welcome to Realm Explorers!  In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors.  Enjoy your travels!  And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. 
Author’s name:
Kristen Stieffel
Title of book and/or series:Alara’s Call: The Prophet’s Chronicle Book One
Brief summary of the story:Alara is a young clergywoman whose father, the prime minister, entangles her in his political intrigues. As a result she’s kidnapped by enemy soldiers and winds up at the center of an international conflict in which she prophesies to world leaders—including her father—about how the people of faith are to be governed.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:It’s a secondary fantasy realm loosely modeled after nineteenth-century Europe, with lots of small countries close together, with related royal families.
If we were to visit Alara’s storyworld as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?The southern coasts of Glynrell (Alara’s homeland) and Redíque (where she’s related to the royal family on her mother’s side) have lovely beaches and a mild climate. The western coast of Glynrell, on the other hand, is a rocky coastline. In the north of Glynrell is the Kaesrynne Valley, an idyllic setting known for sheep herding and vineyards.
What dangers should we avoid in Alara’s storyworld?Glynrell and Redíque are both very safe nations, although highwaymen are not unheard of. The northern nations of Apanumon and Makut are feudal and one does run the risk of running afoul of a feudal lord if one isn’t careful about, for example, where one hunts or harvests wood. Believers need to be particularly wary in these countries, as violence against believers is common.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Alara’s storyworld?In most places, the cuisine will be very similar to what one might find in Europe or North America. All forms of game, especially venison and wild fowl, are popular in Glynrell. Glynrellans may wish to take care when visiting Makut, as horse meat is commonly eaten there, but Glynrellans have a cultural taboo against eating horse. Another distinction for visitors to be aware of is that although in most nations the midday meal is called lunch or luncheon and the evening meal dinner, in Glynrell the midday meal (usually very hearty) is called dinner and the evening meal (usually very light) is called supper. If a Glynrellan invites you to dinner, you should arrive around noon.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Alara’s storyworld?Alara’s contemporaries do not have black powder, so there are no firearms. Their main weapons are swords. Glynrellans use both sabers and rapiers, depending on personal preference. Redíquans prefer the rapier, and Makuians the saber. Glynrellan archers tend to use longbows, while Makutians invariably choose the crossbow.
Map by Mary Elizabeth HallWhat types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel around Alara’s storyworld?Horses and horse-drawn carriages and wagons are the primary mode of transport in Glynrell and Redíque. In Makut and Apanumon, generally only the nobility own horses. The lower classes go on foot or travel by ox cart.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Alara’s storyworld?The only supernatural element comes in the form of gifts, such as Alara’s gift of prophecy. There’s also a character who has the gift of healing, and another whose gift I’m not going to give away because spoilers. ;)
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Alara’s storyworld?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.It’s not advanced from our point of view, but within the storyworld, Glynrellans and Redíquans are advanced in their use of indoor plumbing, almost to a twentieth-century level. So a visitor would find the conveniences not quite modern, but still comfortable. In Makut and Apanumon, however, indoor plumbing is found only in the most wealthy homes, and sometimes not even there, as the infrastructure is lacking.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Alara’s storyworld.Glynrellans are very completive in martial arts, which most children there learn as a matter of course. Hunting is a popular activity, but more for subsistence than sport. Horse racing is popular in Redíque. Rugby is a popular sport across the continent.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Alara’s storyworld as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?I don’t go into a lot of detail about days and months, although I sometimes use phrases like “on the fifteenth,” but I haven’t named the months. In Alara’s faith, the holy days are around the calendar: the solstices and equinoxes, as well as the new moon.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Alara’s storyworld?  Please describe what it involves.There are two main religions: Telshanism and Kivatanism. Telshanism is a Trinitarian faith worshiping a maternal creator, a paternal counselor, and a feminine redeemer, who collectively are known as the one god, Telshi. A foundational principle of the Telshan faith is that all believers are equal in the eyes of Telshi. Kivatanism is a polytheistic faith with a pantheon that includes gods of war, justice, wisdom, etc. It’s a paternalistic faith in which women are oppressed. Although members of both faiths can be found in all countries, Glynrell and Redíque are predominantly Telshan, while Makut and Apanumon are predominantly Kivatan. A fifth country, Temhain, which is east of Redíque and south of Makut, has a nearly equal mix of the two faiths.
What is the political or government structure in Alara’s storyworld?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leaders are they?Glynrell is the only country on the continent that is a democracy. The others are all monarchies, though in Redíque the monarch is largely a figurehead, and the principal leader is the prime minister. Makut, Apanumon, and Temhain are all governed by kings who rule with varying degrees of dictatorship.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Alara’s storyworld?In Kivatan countries, women are forbidden from making eye contact with men.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations in your book?The aforementioned idyllic Kaesrynne Valley is modeled after the Santa Ynez Valley in California, which is not far from where I grew up in Goleta (a suburb of Santa Barbara).
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?I touch on several things, including monarchy vs. democracy and polytheism vs. monotheism, but probably the only one that may be controversial is patriarchy vs. equality, especially regarding my clergywoman heroine. An agent once rejected this story on the basis of that alone.
Author Autobiography:Kristen Stieffel is a freelance editor specializing in science fiction and fantasy and is associate editor of Havok, a flash fiction magazine focused on the speculative genres. She provides a full range of editorial services and has worked on various projects including business nonfiction and Bible studies, but she is a novelist at heart and has edited novels in many genres for both the general market and the Christian submarket. Kristen is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Christian Editor Connection and is a Word Weavers International mentor.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  Please include links.The Love2Read Love2Write Publishing web page for Alara’s Call contains links to all the major booksellers.
Where can readers connect with you online?My website is kristenstieffel.com, where readers can find links to all my social media sites.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Glynrell.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!-Annie Douglass Lima <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-link:"Footer Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.MsoPageNumber {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-unhide:no; color:blue; mso-themecolor:hyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} span.FooterChar {mso-style-name:"Footer Char"; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:Footer; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW;} @page WordSection1 {size:595.45pt 841.7pt; margin:.8in .8in .8in .8in; mso-header-margin:53.85pt; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style> <br />--></div>

A Priceless Find: a Romance Novel with a Giveaway!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Book Tour Grand Finale for A Priceless Find By Kate James
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Note from the Author
I’m excited to be on tour again with Prism Book Tours with A Priceless Find, a sequel to my award-winning Heartwarming novel, A Child’s Christmas. A Priceless Find is my third and final release for 2017...

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt
CHELSEA’S HEART TRIPPED at the sight of the bright yellow Do Not Cross police barricade tape and blue-and-white flashing lights. Peering through her windshield, she couldn’t tell for certain this far down Willowbrook Avenue, but it looked as if all the activity was in front of the Sinclair Art Gallery.

It was too early for any of her colleagues to be at work. Whatever was going on, at least none of them would be hurt…or worse.

Janices Book Reviews - Review
"Love the suspense, love the romance, love the storyline. . . . I only put it down when I really had to. I could visualize the characters and the scenes. . . . Definitely five stars plus."

It's All About the Romance - Excerpt
Elegant wasn’t a word she usually associated with herself nor, frankly, was it something she normally strived for. But tonight? She thought she’d hit the mark.

It was important to her to set the right tone. Not just because she’d put so much personal effort into the event, but because of her goal to be the next curator. She wanted to ensure that Mrs. Sinclair found absolutely no fault with the evening…or her.

Getting Your Read On - Review
"Kate James is excellent at writing gentle, sweet romances. Her books are so easy to settle into. This particular story brought in an element of mystery with an unsolved crime and some strange things happening. I enjoyed that aspect of it even though the story kept a pretty sedate pace. . . . you cannot go wrong picking up any book by Kate James. Especially if you love a good, sweet, clean romance."

Thoughts of a Blonde - Excerpt
“I hope I’m not underdressed,” he said.

Chelsea felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She obviously hadn’t been as subtle in her perusal of him as she’d hoped. “Oh, no, you look perfectly fine.” Now she could feel her cheeks burn even more. “What I meant is your attire is fine. Black tie is optional. Are you here for professional or personal reasons?” she rushed on, wanting to change the subject.

“A bit of both.”

Deal Sharing Aunt - Review
"I liked how they worked together and tried to catch the bad guys. I was sure that I knew who was guilty, but the author kept me reading. The ending was good, and I would like to read more about these characters."

Reviews by Crystal - Excerpt
“Help me understand what, exactly, this painting is supposed to represent.” The deep voice, with a touch of humor, had Chelsea glancing over her shoulder.

Her courteous reply caught in her throat as she found herself staring into familiar bold blue eyes. “Detective Eldridge, I didn’t know you had an interest in art.”

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review
"The word I'm going to use to describe this story overall is: gentle. The mystery is gentle, without any heart-pounding drama; the romance is gentle--sweet, but not overly dynamic chemistry and drama; the characters are gentle--the kind you want for neighbors. This is a perfect read to escape and enjoy your time spent in small town Camden Falls and it's exactly the kind of book that I was in the mood for."

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt
THE FIRST THING Sam noticed when Chelsea walked out of the back was that she looked…taller. He slid his gaze down and saw the shoes. Unless he was mistaken, they were the same shoes she’d worn the night of the exhibit, but they worked even better with the skirt she wore today.

Caught in the act, he realized when he looked up and saw Chelsea’s amused smile. “Ready to go?” he asked, proud of how smoothly he managed to recover from his lapse of professionalism.

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review
"The conflicting turn of events in this story, keeps the reader captivated. There is action, a touch of romance, humor, mystery, suspense and intrigue within the pages of this book.

As always, Kate James does a magnificent job in creating characters the reader feels he/she knows and scenes portrayed so well, the reader will feel he/she is actually there. With the various elements of subject matter in A Priceless Find, this is one of her best creations in the literary world. The reader is kept hoping for a “happily ever after” but unsure of the outcome until the end of the tale.

This definitely earns a Five Stars rating."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt
Very gentlemanly, Chelsea mused, how Sam had walked her to her car at the gallery and waited until she’d pulled out of the parking lot. It was a thoughtful gesture.

Although Detective Sam Eldridge was about as far from what she considered her “type” as she could imagine, he intrigued her. He was undeniably attractive, but it was more than that. She found his personality appealing, so steady and solid—and her complete opposite.

Slice of Life - Review
"Anyone who loves art will be intrigued by Kate James’ romance novel, A Priceless Find, as she takes us to the small town of Camden Falls via Chelsea Owens. . . . The case is complicated, causing suspicions to flit from one person to another, creating a rollercoaster ride for Chelsea’s relationship with Sam. . . . If you’re ready to delve into the art world with an excellent writer as your guide, pick up a copy of A Priceless Find."

Mello & June, It's a Book Thang! - Excerpt
As he pulled up in front of Sorley’s fifteen minutes later, he saw Chelsea’s car. One more thing to like about her. She was punctual. If things went well, maybe he’d be able to talk her into having dinner with him.

One step at a time, he cautioned himself, as he walked into Sorley’s.

She was sitting in a booth, facing the door, and noticed him right away. Smiling, she waved to him, and he felt that strange sensation in his gut again.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review
"Once again, Kate James has written a novel that warms your heart and makes you smile. It’s sweet, suspenseful and romantic, and the characters are delightfully genuine. Camden Falls feels like a place any of us could call home, except perhaps for the recent crime spree. *wink* A Priceless Find is a great read from start to finish!"

underneath the covers - Excerpt
Her first inclination was to follow the footprints to see where they led. Feeling a tingle on the back of her neck, she thought better of it. Slipping out the door, she locked it and hurried to her car.

The footprints—and the possibility of someone having seen her inside the warehouse and maybe recognizing her car—made her rethink once more what she’d found and what it might mean.

Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader - Review
"I absolutely love Kate James writing style. She has a way that just makes me love her characters. Chelsea and Sam are just absolutely great. This sweet romance takes my breath away. "

Teatime and Books - Excerpt
“Chelsea. Hi. What brought you here?”

She could see amusement—and was it pleasure?—on Sam’s face. She could also see over his shoulder that Marla was watching them intently. “There’s something I’d appreciate your opinion on,” she said in a subdued voice.

“Okay,” he said with a quizzical look, and led her through the door to the back and into his office.
And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...
A Priceless Find
(Camden Falls #2)
by Kate James
Contemporary RomancePaperback & ebook, 365 pages
October 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Can opposites really attract?
A robbery followed by the discovery of a forgery at a respected art gallery thrusts Chelsea Owens into the center of an investigation headed by Detective Sam Eldridge. The instant chemistry between the high-spirited aspiring curator and the tall, dark, brooding cop is a classic case of opposites attract.

Complications arise when Chelsea uncovers a connection to an unsolved art heist. Teaming up with Sam to find the stolen paintings ignites feelings that could lead to lasting love. But Sam isn't ready to move beyond the tragedy in his past, no matter how promising his future with Chelsea could be…
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│ iTunes │ Indigo
Other Books in the Series
A Child's Christmas (Camden Falls #1)by Kate JamesContemporary RomancePaperback & ebook, 376 pagesNovember 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming
There's a stranger at the door on Christmas Day… 
Single mother Paige Summerville wants to give her seven-year-old son the Christmas of his dreams. Jason needs surgery to beat the illness that's plagued his young life, leaving Paige desperate to make ends meet. So she turns to a charity that grants the wishes of sick children… 
Then a stranger arrives bearing gifts for Jason—and for her. He's Daniel Kinsley, a lawyer who's grown cynical about family. But his kindness in making Jason's wishes come true offers him more than he ever imagined. Is there room in Paige's heart for a man who could fulfill all their dreams? And not just at Christmas!
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│ iTunes │ Indigo
About the Author


Kate spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word.

Kate's goal is to entertain her readers with engaging stories featuring strong, likable characters. Kate has been honored with numerous awards for her writing. She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors, with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.
Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by email, through her  website , her  Facebook page , Twitter, or mail at PO Box 446, Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0, Canada.
Tour Giveaway


Prize Pack:
- The prize pack includes:   · Aqua over-the shoulder tasseled bag
   · San Diego K-9 Unit mouse pad
   · Signed copy of Sanctuary Cove
   · Signed copy of The Truth About Hope
   · Singed copy of When the Right One Comes Along, first book in the San Diego K-9 Unit series
   · A pack of three metallic page markers with an inspirational quote on each
   · Pair of heart-shaped earrings embellished with ruby-colored stones
   · Assortment of signed bookplates
   · $20 Amazon gift card
- Prize pack available for Canadian and US residents. Should the winner be international, e-books will be substituted.- Ends October 11th
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Burning Rose: a Retold Fairy Tale by Hope Ann

Behind the scenes of Burning Rose: Song of the Sword
Writing Burning Rose took around two years, from the publication of the first novella to
the final paperback. Of course, that wasn’t non-stop writing. I published each of the three
novellas contained in the paperback separately as ebooks, then pulled them together for the first
book of Legends of Light.

The nice thing about ebook publishing is that it’s very easy to change a document and
correct a typo or even make more drastic changes to a story after publication. My second novella
in Legends of Light, Song of the Sword, is my only novella that underwent noticeable changes
after publication. Although it is second in the series, it is actually the earliest novella of the three
that I wrote. With each novella I publish, I learn more about writing and style. So I went back
and polished up Song of the Sword. I also added several chapters. Roinette, sister to the main
character, had about half the page time in the first version as she does now. But I got some
suggestions from a friend and ended up weaving her into the story to make her a large secondary
character. I also clarified backstory and deepened some thematic bits.
Read the full retelling in my new paperback collection, Burning Rose!



A war, founded in ancient legends, changes the lives of those it touches forever.
Elissa, a villager from the northern mountains, attempts to save her brother and ends up trapped
in a hidden valley with a strange host and a treacherous enemy.
Evrard, the Wingmaster of the Prince’s army, races against his own weakening powers to
discover the location of his twin and save her from deadly mistbenders.
Haydn, a pardoned rebel from Tauscher’s army, confronts shadows of myth and former
comrades in his struggle to keep his sister safe and find the stolen Stormestone.

BONUS
Before the war, before the legends, before the Separation, there was a man who started it all.
There was a curse, a promise, and a sacrifice. There was the Oathkeeper.
Fairy tales retold as you have never heard them before.
ROSE OF THE OATH: Beauty and the Beast
SONG OF THE SWORD: Rapunzel
SHADOWS OF THE HERSWEALD: Hansel and Gretel
and
ROSE OF THE NIGHT: a Rose of the Oath prequel
Order Burning Rose now!

Hope Ann is a Christian wordsmith, avid reader, and dedicated author. Her time is taken up with
writing, reading, playing with inspirational photos, blogging, helping care for the house and eight younger siblings, and generally enjoying the adventures of life on a small farm at the crossroads of America. She is the author of Legends of Light is currently working on several projects including a fantasy novel and futuristic trilogy. You can find out more about her at
authorhopeann.com

Under the Broken Sky: a Paranormal Adventure by Angela Carling

Hi All! Thanks for stopping by to hear my big announcement. The final book in the uniquely paranormal Secret Keeper Series is out and available for purchase! Today, we're taking a peek at a deleted scene from the newly released, Under The Broken Sky! Fun!!

But first, here's the cover and blurb for Under The Broken Sky!

  If this is your first time hearing about the Secret Keeper Series, I'm excited to tell you that for a limited time, you can pick up the award-winning first book in the series for FREE!


Here are the links to grab your FREE COPY!
Amazon
IBooks
Barnes and Noble






Already a fan of the series? You'll love several new characters that are introduced in Under The Broken Sky and a finish to Winter and Liam's story that rivals the intensity of the first three books, Belakane, The Secret Keeper, and In The Dying Light. So go grab your copy now and find out what happens!
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble 
IBooks 

Now, onto the deleted scene. Enjoy!


From the small wooden dock Agni saw the rubble that was once his home. Huge wood beams were reduced to splinters and furniture he’d built by hand sat in broken pieces strewn along the forest’s edge. Seeing the total destruction of his handiwork made his throat tight and his mouth miserably dry. He smacked his lips in a futile attempt to create moisture. Little came.   
“Tie off the boat.” Agni said handing a wad of rope to Winter before looking back at the island. She also gawked, mouth hanging open in direction of the debris littered beach.

Behind him, Winter and Liam debated the best way to tie a proper knot, but Agni couldn't think of anything but the damaged shoreline where he’d lived for ten years.   
Bela’s destruction left a pit in Agni’s gut.  Securing the boat may not matter in the end. Belakane’s total annihilation of their island cottage let Agni know she was livid, even more furious than he could’ve imagined. He and his companions would be lucky to leave the island alive. Angry waves already licked the side of the boat, more violent than when they’d arrived, and the blue sky was quickly disappearing behind the purplish black clouds stirred up by Belakane’s magic.  
Agni walked to the front of the rocking vessel.     “Stay on the dock. I want to look around for a minute.” Agni said without looking back at Winter and Liam. Now that they'd arrived, Agni felt the full weight of his responsibility. Only he could save them from Bela’s wrath, and based on the burgeoning storm, the enchantress was ready for a fight.   
Connect with Angela 
Website http://www.angelacarling.com/
Blog http://www.angelacarling.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/angelacarlingFacebook https://twitter.com/angelacarlingGoodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/5331346.Angela_CarlingYoutube https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePajamWriter/videos?view=0 

Realm Explorers Part XCXIII: Visit Angapo with E.B. Dawson

Welcome to Realm Explorers!  In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors.  Enjoy your travels!  And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. 

Author’s name:E.B. Dawson
Title of book and/or series:The Traveler (Lost Empire Book 1)
Brief summary of the story:Anissa Robson is becoming an adult in a society she never really identified with. Forced to choose her career path, she becomes an apprentice to a young, headstrong politician who seems to stand for everything she disagrees with. The dreams she has refused to report grow more alluring to her as she becomes disillusioned with her job. But the lines between reality and her dreamland begin to blur and cross over, launching her onto a path she would never have chosen for herself. Is the government medicating dreamers to protect them? Or to hide something from them?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:Angapo is a remote, tropical world that has been semi-colonized by a more technologically advanced world.
If we were to visit Angapo as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?Don’t go into the towns. They have more conveniences. But you need to see the beauty of the jungle. It is most dangerous at night, but that’s when it can also be the most beautiful. There are flowers that bloom only in moonlight, and phosphorescent insects that sparkle like stars!
What dangers should we avoid in Angapo?Snakes, wild boars, poisonous insects, raging rivers, treacherous cliffs, and angry militants. Sounds fun, right?
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Angapo?The purple tuber is the main food supply of the Angapoan people. It’s pretty, but a little bit plain and pasty.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Angapo?Indigenous Angapoans have no martial art. They were simple hunters until colonization. Now some of them are learning how to use new weapons and fighting tactics in order to defend themselves.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Angapo that we don’t see on Earth?There are some amazing plants. The dragon plant is beautiful and fire resistant. The wild boars have razor sharp teeth and are carnivorous. You don’t want to meet them in the jungle.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Angapo?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.The first sign of anything fantastical is when people start traveling to another world in their sleep. The government covers it up and does everything it can to stop it. Experts have tried to find scientific explanations for it, but it can’t truly be explained by science. We’re going to see more supernatural elements pop up in books two and three!
Is there a particular religion practiced in Angapo?  Please describe what it involves.The Angapoan people recognize there is more to the world than what we can hear and see. But there has been a great deal lost from their ancestors. They believe there are spirits in the world.
What is the political or government structure in Angapo?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?The Angapoans live in small tribes and communities. They are currently under the authority of two separate nations who have interests in their natural resources.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?There are a few controversial topics. The main one is colonization. I examine the consequences and complications when an advanced society and a less-advanced society cross paths. There are no simple or easy answers. I also bring up some questions about race, science, and the nature of reality!
Author Autobiography: E.B. Dawson was born out of time. Raised in the remote regions of a developing nation, traveling to America was as good as traveling thirty years into the future. So, it’s really no wonder that she writes science fiction and fantasy. She writes stories that acknowledge darkness, but empower and encourage people to keep on fighting, no matter how difficult their circumstances may be. And as an avid philosopher, she infuses her work with Socratic questions. When not writing, she tries to make a difference in the world by showing love and compassion to those most broken.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?  Please include links.The Traveler is available in e-book format, and paperback on Amazon!
Where can readers connect with you online? 
I am most frequently on twitter @ebdawsonwriting. You can also find me on my website.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Angapo.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!-Annie Douglass Lima

Realm Explorers Part XCXII: Visit Sekastra with Janeen Ippolito

Welcome to Realm Explorers!  In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors.  Enjoy your travels!  And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. 


Author’s name:
Janeen Ippolito
Title of book and/or series:
Lawless: The Ironfire Legacy (Book 1)
Brief summary of the story:
The salvation of humans and dragons lies within a convicted murderer.
Dragonshifter Kesia Ironfire has one goal—to redeem her past by serving the cruel dragon Pinnacle as a soldier in the dragon-human war.
Then a rogue mission to spy on a new airship explodes into sickening green smoke. The same mysterious green smoke that was present the night of Kesia’s crime. When her dragon overlords deny any involvement, she and her tactical partner Zephryn Nightstalker try to investigate--and are sentenced to death.
Still searching for answers, Kesia and Zephryn flee to the human military capital, where Captain Shance Windkeeper has been furloughed after the destruction of his airship. Eager to discover what--and who--blew up his vessel, he agrees to help Kesia and Zephryn infiltrate High Command. In exchange, Kesia must pretend to be his betrothed so Shance can escape an arranged marriage. If only she knew what ‘betrothed’ and ‘arranged marriage’ meant.
But human social customs are the least of her worries. Dark secrets surface as Kesia delves deeper--secrets that challenge the facts of her crime and undermine the war itself.
A steampunk fantasy adventure with a side of quirky romance and snark.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Sekastra is a large continental landmass on a fantasy planet. The overall setting is fantasy steampunk.
Sekastra is divided into four Scepters, which each function as semi-independent city-states that together form the Congruency. In the northwest is the Scepter of Knowledge, in the northeast is the Scepter of Industry, in the southwest is the Scepter of Pleasure, and in the Southeast is the Scepter of Commerce. In the center is the Pinnacle, settled in the Cloudpeaks. The Pinnacle is ruled by dragonshifters. In between all the Scepters are the plains, where a lot of the smaller cities and villages are located.
In Lawless the featured city-state is the Scepter of Commerce, so this article will focus on that city.
If we were to visit The Scepter of Commerce as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
If you have money, the sky is the limit! Go on tours through the Junglelands, sail one (or all) of the Trebbian Seas (Ilyon, Olyon, and Tryon), and visit the Music Quarter and Art Quarter. When you find yourself out of money (which is easy to do in the Scepter of Commerce), there are beautiful mosaics inlaid in many of the walls and floors. The Central Market is resplendent with gold and silver tiles. Local folklore claims if you toss a penny in the fountains in front of the Central Market, your deity of choice will grant your wish.
What dangers should we avoid in Sekastra?
Well, there’s currently a war going on between the humans and the dragonshifters, and the Scepter of Commerce is military central. It’s far safer to travel by train, although there are bandits and train-robbers, so it can still get treacherous.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in The Scepter of Commerce?
Lawless focuses on the Scepter of Commerce (each book focuses on activities in one Scepter). In the Scepter of Commerce you can get delicious roasted crenbird and fresh, tart strewsberry juice. There are also a variety of vegetables that come in from the surrounding Junglelands.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in The Scepter of Commerce?
Money and bribery are much preferred over violence, but since it is wartime, many people are armed with a variety of weapons: cheap Berringer pistols, military-grade Heotzlers, and elegant Starvens that are easy to hide under clothing.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to The Scepter of Commerce?
In the Scepter of Pleasure, they have shiny ground cars for transportation—but they give off a lot of smelly fumes. For air travel (if you dare), there are airships, but not the kinds with balloons. Instead, they use turbines. The adaptation happened when humans realized dragons could set their hot air devices on fire. There are also trains between each Scepter. In the plains, people often use horses, and there are a variety of ships that travel the rivers to the Trebbian Seas.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Sekastra that we don’t see on Earth?
In Sekastra, humans share the territory with dragonshifters, who are simply referred to as dragons whether they are in scale form or skin form. But you shouldn’t see any in the Scepter of Commerce because of the dragon-human war. Theoretically. There are rumors of dragon spies…
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in the Scepter of Commerce?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
One unique element of Sekastra are that all humans and some dragons have innate Talents. These Talents can be passed down through families. Talents aren’t always useful or powerful. For every individual who has a Talent for telekinesis or invisibility, there’s someone who has a Talent that lets them detect the color of an object through touch. Talents do not always lend to societal influence or leadership because the steampunk technology is advance enough to counter many abilities. 
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in The Scepter of Commerce?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
The overall technology is fantasy steampunk with airships. Devices include voicelators (dragon tech pendants that modified vocal timbre and tone), clipse-mirrors that project visuals (think of it like steampunk Facetime), and wireless commers used for general communication.
The Scepter of Commerce doesn’t have much distinctive tech apart from this. The populace is very pragmatic, so they’ll adapt things from the Scepter of Pleasure, Scepter of Knowledge, and Scepter of Industry that make marketable and practical sense.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in the Scepter of Commerce.
In the Scepter of Commerce it doesn’t really matter what is being played, as long as people can bet on it. And if you want to play a game, you can find plenty of people in the Low Quarter who will take part as long as you pay them.
Is there a particular religion practiced in the Scepter of Commerce?  Please describe what it involves.
The Scepter of Commerce has the same freedom of religion practices as all of the Scepters. There are numerous temples around the city-state, from the elemental temples that Jungleland natives used to worship various spirits to the open-air altars where many airship sailors make sacrifices to Fiarston and Viorstan for safe travels.
There are also worship houses for the Four Corners religion, the oldest religion in Sekastra. Adherents to the Four Corners religion worship Bonilus the Beneficent and strive to imitate his apostles, Allandra and Olosael. There are monastic orders known as the Sons of Olosael and the Daughters of Allandra.
What is the political or government structure in the Scepter of Commerce?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The Scepter of Commerce is traditionally run by a ruling council of the leading merchants and counts/countesses in the city. Power is inherited, but is leveraged and balanced by the court system. Currently, however, the Scepter of Commerce houses the High Command of the Congruency military fleet, so the military has ultimate say.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit The Scepter of Commerce?
The fashion is considered the most modern out of all of the Scepters. A lot of the fashion is adapted to the humid temperatures. Women wear loose pants with blouses and short-sleeved corset coats as daily fashion. Men wear pants, short-sleeved collared shirts, and vests. Military uniforms are standard throughout the Congruency fleet, and consist of boots, black pants, plain black waistcoats, long-sleeved button-down shirts, rank insignia, and caps. The color of the shirt denotes area of service: engineering, command, medical. Since it’s wartime, so everyone is expected to fight if necessary.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
I may have partly stolen from different biospheres in the United States for different geographical elements of Sekastra and then flagrantly shoved all the biospheres all closer together. I’ve adapted the steampunk elements to the different native cultures and histories of Sekastra, so that is why The Ironfire Legacy books are fantasy steampunk, not Victorian steampunk. The Scepter of Commerce has elements of chromepunk, and the other Scepters also have elements from other ‘punk periods.
Author Autobiography:
Janeen Ippolito is two authors for the price of one! She creates writing resources and writes speculative fiction with monsters, misfits, and mushy stuff. She's also an experienced author coach, editor, teacher, and the Fearless Leader (president) of Uncommon Universes Press. In her spare time, she enjoys sword-fighting, reading, geeky TV, and brownie batter. A lifelong misfit, she believes different is beautiful and that everyone has the ability to tell their story. Two of her goals are eating fried tarantulas and traveling to Antarctica.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  Please include links.
Lawless: The Ironfire Legacy (Book 1) releases on Friday, September 29 through Uncommon Universes Press. It is available for preorder on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, and iBooks.
You can also preorder autographed paperback copies at a discount price through the Uncommon Universes Press website (limited time only).
Where can readers connect with you online? 
Janeen Ippolito is an extroverted writer who loves to connect online! You can find her on her Facebook page, on Twitter (@TheQuietPen), and on Instagram (janeen_ippolito). She also cordially invites you to the Lawless Facebook Launch Party on Wednesday, October 4!

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Sekastra.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!-Annie Douglass Lima